By Adam Pepper
o! She didn't!" I giggled with unmasked joy.
"She did! She did! Sara got engaged," Chrissy laughed in her trademark mousy tone.
"I can't believe it, this is soooooo exciting," I said, tossing my brown curly hair. I could barely hold the princess phone between my fingernails, my hands were so shaky. "Shit! I think I chipped a nail!"
"Calm down, calm down."
" 'kay."
"Guess who's the maid of honor."
"Oh my God, she asked you?"
"Of course, we've only been best friends for twenty years, if she didn't ask me I'd never forgive her."
"That's so cool, Chris."
"And guess who else is gonna be asked to be in the wedding party."
I knew Chris meant me, but I had to hear it to be sure. "Who?" I asked, straining to hold back the giggles.
"You Evelyn, of course she's gonna ask you."
"THAT IS WONDERFUL!!!!" I hollered. "I can't believe this. Sara is getting married."
After the initial giddiness started to lessen, I admit, a little jealousy kicked in. I just couldn't help it. Chrissy sensed it and the laughter faded.
"What is it, Ev? You're so quiet all of a sudden," Chrissy asked softly.
"Nothing, nothing," I insisted. Not that there was any point to bullshitting Chris. "Don't tell me nothing, sweetie, we've been friends too long for that."
"You know, it's just that Sara is four years younger than me."
"So, she's two years younger than me, and I'm not married."
"Yeah but you've been with Freddie for three years. It's just a matter of time for you two. Me, I've got no one but Saki to keep me company."
"So, Saki is a good friend," Chrissy said with a semi-sincere laugh.
"Yeah, Saki's great," I mumbled, as my golden retriever ran over upon hearing his name, "but he ain't gonna replace my vibrator anytime soon, you know what I mean, honey." Saki put his head in my lap, and I stroked his furry head while he wagged his tail.
"I sure hope not, that would be way-weird!"
"I'm just really afraid, Chris."
"Afraid? Afraid of what?"
"Well, when I was twenty, I was hot. At twenty-five, I was a knockout. But now, well, you know."
"No, I don't know. You're still beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have you. Any guy."
"Yeah, but that P.P. is kicking in."
"Come off it, you're thin as can be, so I don't want to hear shit about 'Porker Potential.'"
"I guess I'm okay, for thirty-four. But my ass is a little flabbier than it used to be. And I stopped wearing belly shirts years ago."
"Would you stop it, Ev. You are still a hottie. And thirty-four is not old. Not even close."
"I guess."
"I don't guess, I know."
"There's something more. It's not just the couple extra pounds on the scale. It's..."
"What honey? What is it?"
"The bottom line is... well... it's..."
"Come on, Ev, you can talk to me."
"I don't want to grow old alone."
"I know honey, but things will change for you. Don't give up hope."
Planning and celebrating led to dress fitting, then before I had time to feel sorry for myself, the wedding day was upon us. Riding in the limousine, I was all smiles. After all, I had so much to be happy about. As the white Lincoln stretch began the two-mile journey of transporting the wedding party to the reception hall, we all looked out the window, cackling a happy cackle. We were unabashed at times like these. Who cared if we looked ditzy to the farty old driver?
"Who was that guy?" I asked.
"Which guy?" Chris responded without any attempts to mask her excitement.
"You know, the tall guy with long dark hair in the wedding party."
"Ohhhhh, that guy. I always knew you had good taste."
"Well, who is he?"
"I think he's Johnny's cousin. Do you wanna meet him?" she asked playfully.
"Yes, I want to meet him!"
"When we get to the hall I'll see if I can work some magic."
"You better be subtle about it, or I'll kill you, Chris."
"Of course I will. I'll tell him that you're horny, desperate and lonely."
"Shut up you bitch!" I giggled as I lightly punched Chrissy's shoulder. I think I was turning red. She just loved to embarrass me.
"I'll drop a little hint to Johnny that you think his cousin is cute."
"Yeah right, you're gonna make me look stupid."
"No I won't! Don't you have any faith in me?"
Chris was talking to me, but I wasn't looking at her. I was looking outside at the next car. One of the other limousines, the one holding the groomsman, was passing on the left.
"He's so hot!" Chris laughed. "If you don't go after him I might."
"Chris, you're terrible, you have a man."
"I'm kidding!"
We stopped talking, and all the girls turned towards the other car and gazed at the guy. He turned and looked over, and the car filled with laughter.
"Oh my god, I am soooo mortified!" I shouted, dropping my face into my hands.
"Stop it, why?"
"He saw me staring. I'm so humiliated."
"Stop overreacting, we were all staring."
Sara's younger sister, Hillary, turned to her girlfriend and said, "He seems arrogant. He knows he's good-looking."
The friend nodded, then said, "Did you see how he flipped his long hair like a girl?"
"How do you know he's arrogant?" I asked, although they weren't talking to me directly.
"Oh, I don't know. It's just a cocky look he gave us. The way he twirled his goatee. You didn't notice, Evelyn?"
"No!" I said and turned my back on the other girls.
As soon as there was a break at the reception, Chris wasted no time. She worked her magic, and they came over towards me. I was so tingly!
"This is my cousin, Emmanuel," Johnny said with a smile, then a wink in my direction.
"Hello, Evelyn," Emmanuel said in a soothing, low tone.
Emmanuel extended his hand and when I touched it, I think I melted. He was so warm and firm, yet gentle at the same time. He kissed the top of my palm lightly, without puckering or leaving any wetness. Me on the other hand felt moisture between my legs and under my arms instantly.
"Shall we dance?" he asked. But I was too dazed to answer. Ever the gentleman, he said, "Perhaps you'd rather take a seat."
"Uh, sure," I said, without taking my eyes from his – they were almost magically hypnotic, and a sharp shade of hazel.
Emmanuel led me to his table and pulled out a chair for me to sit in. I followed his lead, and sat. Finally taking my eyes off of his, I noticed Chrissy looking over with a wide smile. Chrissy waved quickly – that rapid circular wave of hers – then turned away nonchalantly.
We talked and laughed. Conversation came so easily and flowed so naturally. There never seemed to be an uncomfortable pause. We danced, a long and slow dance. The day flew by and I admit... I was entranced. When it came time to catch the bouquet, it sailed into my hands; I didn't even lunge or jump, it just came right to me as if shot out of Cupid's bow.
Emmanuel slid the garter up my leg, very softly and slowly, yet he didn't seem embarrassed. Me, on the other hand, I was beet-red once he finally reached his destination with the lacey belt.
"HIGHER! Go higher!" Chrissy called with glee. That bitch! I told you she loved embarrassing me.
"THAT'S HIGH ENOUGH!" I shouted as the room laughed. It was high enough for a public display anyway! Once in private I knew it would be different though. There wouldn't be any limits put on him in private. How could I? I was in love. Just that quickly, and I was sure he felt it too.
He was perfect! Good looking. Good job. Never been married before. No kids. No exwife. No baggage. I just couldn't believe it. It was the best night of my life. The man of my dreams had finally arrived!
Emmanuel led me outside, and called a cab. Nobody complained that I snuck off early. They were all too happy for me. He opened the door, helped me in, and got in beside me. We cuddled the entire ride to his place. He never made any moves, didn't even try to kiss me. Just held me close, firmly yet nicely. The butterflies in my belly were whipping around. My palms were wet and tingly. I was lightheaded.
Emmanuel helped me out of the taxi. There was a small puddle of muddy water in the gutter. Before I had the chance to panic over my apricot dress, he lifted me up and over it – I flew into his arms – then placed me back down. I felt secure in his grasp. He wasn't overly muscular, but he seemed so sturdy, until he put me back down. He stumbled a bit, and his face grimaced.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Fine. Of course, I'm fine."
"Not too heavy, I hope," I said with a sheepish smile.
"Don't be silly. Just got a little woozy for a second. Had nothing to do with you."
We walked arm in arm into the building. The doorman quickly opened the door and held it for us, then dutifully jogged by us, over to the elevator, and pushed the 'up' button.
"Thanks, Charles," Emmanuel said and smiled.
"Of course, Mr. Appel. You and the lady enjoy your evening."
"Oh, we will," I said with a giddy giggle. I guess I should have felt a little trashy under the circumstances. Normally, I would have. I never slept with a guy on the first date, ever. In thirtyfour years. But I didn't feel cheap. Not in the slightest. This was perfect. Anyway, I'm sure Charles didn't mean it that way. He was just being polite.
We got off the elevator on the top floor. There was only one door. His apartment took up the entire floor! Once inside, I could see that it was something else! A huge fish tank covered the entire foyer wall. Orange, red and yellow tropical fish swam around happily. Art covered the walls; I'm sure it was rare and expensive too, but what do I know about art? The couch was big and cushy, and next to it was a fireplace.
"Wow! A fireplace. Can we light it? Please, please, please!"
"Of course."
Emmanuel flicked a switch, and the flames shot right up. The warmth and brightness was both alarming and beautiful.
"Wow. This apartment is amazing, Emmanuel. I've never been in a place quite like it."
"Relax, Evelyn. My home is yours. Would you like a drink?"
"Sure."
"Booze? Wine? What would you like?" he asked as he gracefully glided along the hardwood floor like a crosscountry skier. He stopped at the long oak bar and pulled out two glasses.
"Oh, whatever you're having." I wasn't much of a drinker, and I couldn't think straight enough to choose something.
"Wine then. Red wine."
"Excellent, Emmanuel. Red wine would be excellent."
Emmanuel carried over the two glasses. I sipped lightly first, as he gulped. Then I gulped too. It was very sweet, and it went right to my already tipsy head.
"More?" he asked.
"Not for me."
"Okay, I'll just have one more."
As he walked back towards the bar, I turned to the fire. It burned brightly, and the wood crackled. He was quiet, and I was quiet. Just the sound of burning wood crackling, and a soft pouring of wine in the background. It was perfect. I had my share of failed romances as an adult, and plenty of backseat debacles in my teens. Truthfully, I hadn't had good sex with anyone but my vibrator... ever. Tonight would be different. It was just too perfect. And it couldn't get anything but better.
Emmanuel walked back, sipping the wine. The glass was empty by the time he reached the couch, and he placed the goblet down on the glass coffee table. He gently slipped off my heels. I'm not sure why I hadn't kicked them off already myself. But it was as if I needed him to do everything for me. He parted my legs with the grace of a swan cutting a light wake into a clear pond and then slid my stockings down. I never met a man like this. There wasn't a rough bone in his body. My dress slipped down as if he didn't even touch it. My strapless pushup slid off like a figure skater on fresh, smooth ice. Then, Emmanuel peeled my panties off.
He dropped his pants and slipped out of his own shirt and cumberbund. Then he disappeared, down into the couch, and into my crotch. The fluffy couch absorbed his head, and I couldn't even see it. But boy could I feel it. The way he moved his tongue around in rhythmic circles was incredible. It was going in and out of me while his fingers gently rubbed my clit. I was instantly lost, and lost completely. I arched my back, and leaned my head all the way back, stretching and straining uncontrollably. Emmanuel was making these quiet grunts as he worked me, which only added to my excitement. I was usually too inhibited to make noise with a man, but I grunted back at him, he had me feeling so comfortable and relaxed.
The pleasurable tension built up and built up as Emmanuel rubbed and licked. He sucked my lips gently away from my body, and his tongue and fingers entered my insides, then caressed the outsides. It just kept building up and building up inside of me, the friction getting harder and harder, yet just the right amount. I was wet enough to handle it at this point, and he sensed it, picking up his pace with his tongue and rubbing the top of my lips faster and faster. I kept arching my back further and further, stretching myself at the seams as I quivered and shook. I gripped the pillows and twisted. Just when I thought I'd go crazy from it, when the passion was so fucking intense that I was going to either orgasm or die, at just that moment when I was about to holler, "I can't take it any more! STOP! This is too fucking good, Emmanuel!" finally, I came. I'm sure I screamed from the unbridled passion, although how can I even remember? I was so lost in the moment. I had cum before from my vibrator, and once or twice with a man, but never, ever was I so free that I could shriek like a horny banshee unleashed from a thirty-four-year-old crypt of bad sex. I was always too damned uptight. But not with Emmanuel. He was a pro at oral. And more importantly, he was a pro at making me feel special.
When he came up from the couch, he smiled, and I smiled back. Then he lay down, and took me on him. He didn't ask, and I didn't object. I just wound up on top of him and he lay back, bouncing me up and down like I was his plaything. And I loved it. The sex didn't last long, but at that point, who cared? I could see he was tired, and so was I. He was breathing so heavily and sucking wind that I was alarmed for a second, but he smiled his calming smile, and I fell asleep in his arms, right there on the couch.
I woke up the next morning and smelled coffee. He even makes coffee! I still couldn't find a single fault in Emmanuel. He walked over to me very slowly. He was smiling, but looked a little weatherbeaten. I guess that wasn't strange, he hadn't showered or anything.
"Evelyn," he handed me a mug of coffee and looked me right in the eye – those powerful hazels just grabbed me.
"Hi, honey. Last night was wonderful."
"Yes, it was."
"It was the best night of my life. Ever!"
"I'm so happy that I can please you."
"Oh, you do. You do!"
"I want to make you happy, forever. For the rest of your life, Evelyn."
"Emmanuel, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying I want to marry you."
"Are you serious?"
"Of course. I want you to marry me."
I was stunned, and speechless. All I could do was stare into those big eyes, and he looked back, never once breaking eye contact.
Emmanuel took my hand firmly, put my coffee mug down, dropped to one knee, and asked, "Evelyn, will you marry me?"
I held his glare, just waiting for him to crack a smile, or laugh. Or tell me he was kidding. It was all so fast, and we just met. But my heart told me this was it. I'd waited thirtyfour years, and finally I knew: I wouldn't grow old alone!
"Yes, Emmanuel. YES! Of course I'll marry you." I grabbed Emmanuel and hugged him, the tightest firmest hug I'd ever hugged. Tears of joy watered my eyes.
Emmanuel continued to smile at me, and his eyes stayed on me. Then his expression changed, and he looked away. He stumbled, and quickly sat down.
"What is it, honey? What's wrong?" I asked.
"I'm sorry, Evelyn. I'm feeling weak."
"Is everything okay?" I jumped up and ran to the bar, filled a glass with water and ran it back to him. "Drink honey, you'll feel better."
Emmanuel slugged the water down quickly, and turned to me. "More please," he said as he handed me the glass.
I ran back to the bar and refilled the glass. As I walked it back I asked, "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Evelyn, there's something that you must know about me, before our relationship goes any further."
"Of course. Tell me, honey."
"I have a rare condition. A very rare kidney ailment."
"Oh my god! That's so awful."
"It is. It is. It makes me very weak at times, and my stamina is effected."
"Well, have you seen a doctor?"
"A doctor," he said with a chuckle. "I've been to all the best doctors in the country. They can't do anything for me." "They can't?"
"All we can do is wait. I need a new kidney. And there is a long waiting list for kidneys."
"Well, I'll give you one of mine."
"Oh, Evelyn, that is so nice of you. It's too nice of you."
"Nonsense. We are going to spend our lives together. And I want yours to be a long and healthy one."
"There are risks. To me, but also to you."
"Emmanuel, I will risk everything. I need you to be healthy."
We went to see Dr. Rothman the very next day. The tests went beautifully. It appeared that my kidney would be compatible with his body. I insisted that we schedule the surgery as soon as possible. To hell with ring shopping (oh my god, did I really say that?!). So just a few days later, less than a week after I'd met Emmanuel, I was giving him my kidney.
I awoke in a lot of pain. I looked down, pulled back my gown, and twisted around, trying hard not to stretch the I.V. line in my arm. There was a huge scar in my side where they'd cut me open. And the scabs around it were gross! They were full of pus. They didn't look right. I immediately buzzed for the nurse. She came, along with the doctor.
"Evelyn, I need you to relax," Dr. Rothman said.
"I'm in a lot of pain, doctor."
"I'm sure you are. There's a nasty infection. We are giving you strong doses of antibiotics to fight it off. Don't worry."
"Emmanuel?"
"He's doing great, Evelyn. Just great."
"Can I see him?"
"Sure. But you need to stay in bed."
"Well, can I call his room?"
"Actually, he's gone home. I've told him to make sure he gets extra rest and takes all his medications. But otherwise, he should be in great shape."
"Oh."
Emmanuel was home already. It was great news, of course.
But if I was still here, shouldn't he come see me?
I picked up the phone and called his number. There was no answer. He was probably too tired. Just following orders and getting rest.
As the infection spread all over my insides, I spent weeks in and out of consciousness. They had me doped up on all kinds of shit. At times, I forgot where I was. If anyone came to visit, I guess I was too groggy to notice. But daily, I called Emmanuel. I had to know how he was. He just didn't answer. I called, and called. Finally, I realized he must need me. It was the only explanation.
My need to save him gave me strength. Even though it hurt to stand, I stood. I yanked the I.V. needle out of my arm, and looked for my shoes. I didn't bother to dress. I hadn't eaten solid food in weeks, but I managed to walk all the way home. My love for Emmanuel carried me.
I opened the door, and Saki rushed me. He was so happy to see me, and I him.
"You poor thing? You're emaciated." I looked in the hallway mirror and noticed, I was too. I fed Saki, and ate what little I could stomach myself. Then, I showered and did my best to make myself pretty for him. My shaky hands ran my makeup a bit, but I did my very best. Emmanuel would appreciate the effort. When I walked out, Saki followed behind.
I limped all the way uptown to Emmanuel's palace. When I got there, I saw Charles out front, pulling opened the door to a large limousine. I was about to call and say hello to Charles when I saw Emmanuel getting out of the car, and with him was a familiar, pretty face. It was Chrissy. That fucking bitch. She didn't come and visit me once in the hospital. And now, she was with him! They were arm in arm – all over each other! Groping like a couple of hormone-filled teenagers.
They walked inside without looking in my direction, and Saki and I walked up to the front door. I was sure Charles would turn me away, he was so damn thorough at his job. But just as we got to the front, a woman in white fur walked out with her pathetically well-groomed white poodle – they matched. Saki ran at the poodle, and yanked the leash right out of my hands. The woman screamed and Charles ran over to her aid. I walked inside, unseen.
When I got up to the penthouse, I was pretty sure the door would be opened. I was right. I guess when you have the only apartment on the floor, why bother locking it? I wouldn't know that kind of arrogance, or affluence. But whatever.
I walked inside and stood in the foyer. I didn't have to walk all the way in to see what was going on. The fish tank wall was easy to see through, although the apartment was dimly lit. Emmanuel lit candles and the two sat on the couch. The fireplace burned. Chrissy was giggling her typical, ditsy giggle. I used to think it was cute. That phony!
I watched them sip wine, and Emmanuel did most of the talking. I couldn't hear them through the thick fish tank's glass, other than that bitch's cackling; goddamn did that cut through walls! The two of them began undressing each other slowly, then the mood changed.
Emmanuel ripped her bra off, and Chrissy bit his neck. He yanked her from the back of her panties and carried her into the bedroom like she was his lunchbox. I could see her legs kicking wildly in mid-air, and I heard that obnoxious giggling, along with, "Oh, Emmanuel, you're so rough." Where did he find this newfound strength? From my fucking kidney that ingrate!
They disappeared down a long corridor, and I began riffling through drawers. I found a scissors. I rubbed it against my arm lightly, and it was sharp. Perfect. I'd cut that bastard's dick right off! And her tits too, while I was at it!
I walked slowly down the corridor, it twisted and turned and there were many rooms along the way: a study, a library, and a playroom with a pool table and such. What a place! I'd never seen it all before. I'd have gotten lost for sure, but I just followed the giggles. It wasn't too hard.
As the giggles got louder, my pace slowed. I was so weak. I stopped and held the wall for balance. Just then I heard, "Fuck me, Emmanuel. Fuck me harder!" and my equilibrium came right back. I walked around one more bend and there they were. What made her so special that she got to see the bedroom? I never did!
Chrissy was yelling and cackling, bouncing up and down on top of him.
"Ooooo, Freddie never fucks like this."
What a horrible thing to say. Freddie devoted his whole fucking world to her! Doted over her every movement. Treated her like a queen!
She hopped up and down, and then he yanked her off, and tossed her down. He flipped her over, bent her hips, grabbed her ass, and put it up in the air.
Whack!
Emmanuel spanked her tiny little ass. Yeah, fine, so Chrissy did have a killer body.
"Ouch!" she shot back, but it didn't hurt.
Whack! Whack!
He pounded her ass again, then again.
"Oooo."
"You like?" he asked in this evil tone of voice.
"Is that the hardest you can hit?"
Wham! He really nailed her, and she clearly loved it.
He started fucking her doggy, wildly. His ass was flying 'round and 'round, as if he was waving it at my face. He was groaning this pathetic groan, making these noises. What a retard! What did I ever see in him? I can't believe I fell for his bullshit Casanova act. Look at what a bully he could be, when he had the energy. She was banging into the wall, and loving it. When he did me, it was like thirty seconds and done. He'd been slamming her around for five minutes already, and showing no signs of slowing.
His balls were slapping around, and I was staring at them, transfixed. I looked at the sharp metal scissors, then at his balls. I entered the room and walked towards them.
"Fuck me, Emmanuel! Fuck me hard!"
And boy was he; she was whacking into the wall, and this grandiose wood headboard and not caring at all. How did she plan to explain those bumps to Freddie? He'd believe whatever bullshit she told him, he was so whipped.
"Harder! Fuck me harder."
"Uh! Uh!" Emmanuel grunted loudly, followed by these soft, goofy little, "ew, ew," noises.
Mix her yelling, with his groaning, throw in her giggling with the sound of her head smashing that wooden post and goddamn was this something else. His ass was staring at me, thrashing around in circles, and forwards and backwards. On and on. It was the neverending fuck from hell.
"Fuck me! Fuck me you beast!"
"Uh! Uh!"
"Fuck me harder you bastard! Yank my hair! Spank my ass! Come on you wussy boy, fuck me harder!"
"Ew, ew."
That ass was still laughing at me, and I was right behind them. It amazed me that he couldn't feel my breath on his back, or hear me, as I was breathing just as heavily as they were. But those two were oblivious. It just kept on, even as I raised the scissors up over my head.
"Fuck me harder! Harder you wussy boy. Come on, rich man, can't you fuck a girl any harder?"
"Uh, uh. Ew, ew."
Finally, I just couldn't take another second of listening to his thighs slapping her ass. I brought down the scissors, right into his back, and twisted.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" he yelled out.
I used what little strength I had left to open the scissors and tear away the flesh. I twisted it around and around, just like his ass had been twisting for the last ten minutes. I ripped a hole wide open in him. I don't know how long it took, but the stupid, spoiled rich boy did nothing but moan. You'd think his reflexes would kick in and he'd either fight back or try and weasel away. But he just squeezed her hips and hollered.
I reached into his insides, and yelled, "Give me back my kidney you ungrateful prick!"
"Oh my god!" Chrissy yelled from underneath.
He passed out, and all of his weight came down on top of her. The poor little petite thing was pinned. But she managed to twist around to look up at me.
I yanked out my kidney, cutting away at the veins and muscle connecting it to him. There was still a little of his tissue left, so I bit it off, and spit it right in her face. I dropped the scissors, took my kidney, and left.